Health & medicare

Medical treatment

The general practitioner system does not apply in Sweden. Instead, you visit the nearest hospital clinic ("Närakut", "Akutmottagning" or "Vårdcentral"), taking your passport and European Health Insurance (EHIC) with you or you will be charged the full cost of the treatment. With an EHIC, you will still have to pay part of the cost, which is not refundable. You will also have to pay the full cost of dental treatment up to a fixed limit, and most of the cost above this limit. Any reductions will be made before you get your bill.

Most hotels and other accommodations in Sweden maintain contact with a nearby doctor who can be summoned quickly in case of illness. Municipal authorities supply emergency medical care, and hotel staff can direct guests to local emergency centers or hospitals.

Citizens from North America and other countries from outside the EU/EEA countries must pay for the medical treatment. Make sure that you are covered by your health insurance and bring necessary documents on your trip.

Citizens from within EU/EEA countries and some other countries with which Sweden has a special agreement are entitled to the same medical services as the Swedes.

Stockholm

Pharmacies

Prescriptions are dispensed at pharmacies (“Apotek”), which are generally open during normal shop hours. A 24-hour service is available in the major cities. Since 2010 it is also possible to buy non-prescription medicine in regular stores.